System for secure data validation

ABSTRACT

A network connected secure system for validating electronic certificate codes. The network connected secure computing system is coupled to a network for access by a plurality of users at a plurality of user devices. The system includes a database to store information including at least user accounts, electronic certificates associated with the user accounts, and electronic certificate codes associated with the electronic certificates. The system also includes a downloadable mobile software application. The system is configured to validate the downloaded mobile software application, provide one or more electronic certificates and one or more electronic certificate codes for display at the user devices.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 15/150,071 filed May 9, 2016, which claims the benefit of prioritywith U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/159,089, filed May 8, 2015, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to system and method for secure datavalidation, and more particularly, to a network connected system forvalidating data using multiple security layers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data validation based on physical documents, for example, data onplastic cards or papers, are historically and easily subject to fraudand forgery, and specifically to unauthorized reproduction and use.Systems that use and rely on physical documents are increasinglyvulnerable to security concerns. Documents can now be stored aselectronic data in databases. These data still need to be validated toavoid fraudulent use.

It is therefore desirable to provide system and method for implementingcomputer-based and network-based system for securely validatingelectronic data using multiple security layers, and that providesadvantages heretofore unknown in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided herein are embodiments of system and method for validatingelectronic certificate codes. In some embodiments, a network connectedsecure system for validating electronic certificate codes is provided.The network connected secure computing system is coupled to a networkfor access by a plurality of users at a plurality of user devices. Thenetwork connected secure computing system includes a database to storeinformation including at least user accounts, electronic certificatesassociated with the user accounts, and electronic certificate codesassociated with the electronic certificates. The network connectedsecure computing system also includes a downloadable mobile softwareapplication. The network connected secure computing system is configuredto validate the downloaded mobile software application, provide one ormore electronic certificates and one or more electronic certificatecodes for display at the user devices.

In some embodiments, a computer-readable non-transitory storage mediumconfigured with data and with instructions that when executed by atleast one processor causes the at least one processor to perform aprocess for validating electronic certificate codes is provided. Theprocess includes creating one or more user accounts associated with oneor more users at one or more user devices, generating one or moreelectronic certificates associated with the one or more user accounts,generating one or more electronic certificate codes associated with theone or more electronic certificates, storing the one or more useraccounts, the one or more electronic certificates, and the one or moreelectronic certificate codes in one or more databases, downloading amobile software application to the one or more user devices, providingone or more activation codes to the one or more users, and validatingthe mobile software application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrated in the accompanying drawing(s) is at least one of the bestmode embodiments of the present invention. In such drawing(s):

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for validating electronic certificate codesaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a computing system for validating electroniccertificate codes of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-layer security process for validatingelectronic certificate codes according to an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4A illustrates a hotel loyalty program system according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B illustrates a hotel loyalty program system including a hotelnetwork having a POS system and POS agent according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface of a mobile softwareapplication of a loyalty program according to an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a graphical user interface of a mobile softwareapplication of a loyalty program showing available electroniccertificates according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a graphical user interface of a mobile softwareapplication of a loyalty program showing an electronic certificate codeaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a process of a hotel loyalty program system accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The below described drawing figures illustrate the described apparatusand its method of use in at least one of its preferred, best modeembodiment, which is further defined in detail in the followingdescription. While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in manydifferent forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein bedescribed in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intendedto limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodimentillustrated. All features, elements, components, functions, and stepsdescribed with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended tobe freely combinable and substitutable with those from any otherembodiment unless otherwise stated. Those having ordinary skill in theart may be able to make alterations and modifications to what isdescribed herein without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore,it should be understood that what is illustrated is set forth only forthe purposes of example and should not be taken as a limitation on thescope of the present invention and its method of use.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements areidentified with like reference numerals. The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and“or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation, unlessotherwise noted. The use of “including” or “includes” means “including,but not limited to,” or “includes, but not limited to,” unless otherwisenoted.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entitiesmay refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values,and the like.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a network connected securesystem 100. Generally, in some embodiments, the network connected securesystem 100 of the invention includes a plurality of network connectedcomputing systems 140, 150, 160 and a plurality of user devices 120,130, all connected via a communication network 110. The computingsystems 140, 150, 160 may be distributed on one or more physicalservers, each having processor(s), memory, data storage, operatingsystem, input/output interfaces, and network interface(s) all known inthe art. The user device 120, 130 may include, for example, desktopcomputer, laptop, or any mobile or wearable device having acommunication interface known in the art. The secure system 100 mayinclude software resided in the computing systems 140, 150, 160, and inthe user devices 120, 130. The software resided in the mobile userdevices 120 may be in the form of mobile software applications, ormobile apps. The network 110 may be a private network, or a publicnetwork, such as the Internet and/or a cellular-based wireless network.The computing system 140 may be a cloud based server system.

In some embodiments, a computing system 140, 150, 160 may generateelectronic certificates. The electronic certificates may be stored inone or more databases of the computing system 140, 150, 160. In someembodiments, each electronic certificate may include information thatentitles a user associated with that certificate to certain rights,benefits, or the like. Each electronic certificate may also include,among other data, an electronic certificate code and an electroniccertificate expiration date and time. The electronic certificate codemay include an alpha-numeric code linked to one or more other data. Insome embodiments, data linked to the certificate code may include dataof an account stored in a database. The electronic certificateexpiration date and time may include the date and time that a particularcertificate code will expire.

In some embodiments, a computing system 140, 150, 160 may validateelectronic certificates. This validation, described in more detailherein, can be one of several layers of security provided by the securesystem 100, for example, making it difficult to share unauthorizedcopies of the electronic certificates. The validation may be performedin real-time, or at a pre-determined time, or both.

Other security layers provided by the computing system 140, 150, 160 mayinclude, for example, caching, expiration rules, and a real-timeexpiration countdown user interface. In some embodiments, a two-factorauthentication process may also be provided.

In some exemplary operations of the embodiments of the secure system100, an account may be created and stored in a database, for example,database 142 as illustrated in FIG. 2. Data stored in the account mayinclude, among other data, information relating to a user associatedwith the account, and one or more electronic certificates associatedwith the user and the user account. Mobile software applications (ormobile apps) as part of, or associated with, the system 100 may bedownloaded to the user devices 120, 130 of the user. As part of thedownload, the user will receive an activation code from the securesystem 100. The activation code may be delivered via email, textmessages, or any other suitable form of communication. The user will berequired to enter the activation code into the mobile app to validatethe mobile app for use. In some embodiments, the user may be able todownload the mobile app from the secure system 100, for example, fromthe database 144, or another database, via the electronic certificateengine 144. The user may also be able to download the mobile app fromthe like of Google Play, iTunes App Store, and so on.

It should be appreciated that the exemplary illustration of thecomputing system 140 may also be applicable to the computing systems 150and 160, with equivalent components. In some embodiments, the computingsystems 150 and 160 may include specific applications that use oroperate on the electronic certificates and/or the electronic certificatecodes.

The mobile apps communicate with computing system 140, 150, 160 toaccess and/or download information in or associated with the useraccount. In some embodiments, when the mobile app in the user device 120is activated, the electronic certificates associated with the user andthe user account may also be activated. In some embodiments, if the userloses his or her mobile device, the user can re-download the mobile appand use the same activation code as previously, to a new device. Allpast usage data will be uploaded/downloaded to the new device.

Once the user has satisfied the security layer of activating the mobileapp resided on his or her device (in the exemplary embodiment of amobile device), and activating the electronic certificates associatedwith his or her account, the user may be allowed to access and use theseelectronic certificates. In some embodiments, the electronic certificateengine 144 and/or the mobile app provide the electronic certificates andthe associated electronic certificate codes for display. When the useraccesses an electronic certificate, for example, by viewing andselecting an electronic certificate at a graphical user interface (GUI)provided by the mobile app and/or the system 100, the user may alsoaccess an electronic certificate code associated with that electroniccertificate. The electronic certificate code must then be presented toan application, if the electronic certificate is to be used in thatapplication.

The electronic certificate code may include an alpha-numeric code. Theelectronic certificate code may also include an expiration date and timewhen the electronic certificate code will expire. Electronic certificatecodes may have either, or both, a finite date and time of expiration oran expiration period based on when they are initially displayed in anapplication.

It should be appreciated that, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the electroniccertificate and/or the associated electronic certificate code are thussecured by multiple layers, or levels, of security. The first securitylayer includes the secure activation of a downloaded application, suchas a mobile app, and the electronic certificate. The second securitylayer includes the secure access and retrieval of the electroniccertificate and the associated electronic certificate code at time ofuse. The third security layer includes the expiration of the electroniccertificate code, rendering the associated electronic certificateunusable. Another security layer may include the verification of theelectronic certificate code.

Referring to FIGS. 4-8, an exemplary embodiment of the system 100 asimplemented in a hotel loyalty program system 400 is illustrated.Generally, a hotel loyalty program system 400 may include, for example,secure electronic certificate computing system 440, hotel PropertyManagement System (PMS) 450, hotel Point of Sale System (POS) 460, userdevices 120, 130, electronic certificates, and mobile-optimized software122 containing electronic certificates. As described herein, thecomputing systems 440, 450, 460 may be distributed on one or morephysical servers, each having processor(s), memory, data storage,operating system, input/output interfaces, and network interface(s) allknown in the art. In some embodiments, the computing system 440 may beoperated by a third-party associated with one or more hotels. In someembodiments, the computing system 440 may be operated by the hotels. Thecomputing system 440 may be a cloud based server system.

FIG. 4B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the hotel loyalty programsystem 400, showing the hotel POS 460 including a 2-way connection, forexample, a TCP/IP connection, with a POS agent, which may be acommunication interface software and/or hardware between the POS 460 andthe computing system 440 and database. The communication between the POSagent and the computing system 440 may be a 2-way HTTPS connection, orother suitable communication technology known in the art.

In some embodiments, the mobile-optimized software is a mobileapplication (or mobile app) 122 which hosts one or more electroniccertificates, which may be redeemed for goods or services at hotelsparticipating in a loyalty marketing program. As described herein, themobile application 122 may be downloaded from the computing system 440,or from the like of Google Play, iTunes App Store, and so on, to theuser device 120.

Referring to FIG. 5, the mobile application 122 may provide a GUI 500which displays offers from loyalty programs, including from hotels,restaurants, and so on. The GUI 500 may also include a selectable option510 for using electronic certificates available in a user's account.

Referring to FIG. 6, when a user selects the option 510 as illustratedin FIG. 5, the mobile application 122 retrieves, for example, from thecomputing system 440, a list of the electronic certificates available ina user's account, and provides a GUI 600 which displays them, forexample, electronic certificates 602-608. In some embodiments, the listmay also include the expiration date of each available electroniccertificate. To view each electronic certificate, the user may select a“redeem” option for the electronic certificate, for example, the “RedeemNow” options 613-619. The GUI 600 may also include a selectable option620 for displaying all electronic certificates that have been previouslyredeemed. The GUI 600 may also include a selectable option 630 fordisplaying all electronic certificates that have expired.

Referring to FIG. 7, when a user selects a “redeem” option, for example,options 613-619 as illustrated in FIG. 6, the mobile application 122provides a GUI 700 which displays the selected electronic certificate.An electronic certificate 700 may include, for example, a description702 of the specific redeemable benefit, the name 704 of the user (e.g.,owner of the electronic certificate), an electronic certificate code706, a scan-able bar code 707, a user's card number 708, a date and/ortime 710 that the electronic certificate code expires, and a visualrepresentation of the countdown 712 to the expiration date and time. Insome embodiments, the bar code 707 may include a link, for example, aUniform Resource Locator (URL), to the computing system 440 from whichinformation about the electronic certificate and other relatedinformation may be retrieved. In some embodiments, the bar code 707 mayinclude the information. The electronic certificate code 706 may includean alpha-numeric code linked to the user's account and a particularredeemable benefit. The expiration date and time is the date and timewhen the particular electronic certificate code will expire. Eachelectronic certificate code has a finite period of validity and anexpiration date and time. Electronic certificate codes may have either,or both, a finite date and time of expiration or an expiration periodbased on when they are initially displayed by the user in theapplication. The countdown 712 may be a graphical representation of thecountdown to expiration of a particular electronic certificate code. Thecountdown 712 may display the number of days, hours, and secondsremaining before expiration. The countdown may begin when the userselects to display a particular electronic certificate and theassociated electronic certificate code. Each electronic certificate codeincludes duration of validity, which begins when the electroniccertificate is selected for display, for example, by the user. When theelectronic certificate code has expired, the countdown 712 may display,for example, “Code Expired,” or similar verbiage. In some embodiments,when the electronic certificate code has expired, the scan-able barcode707 may be removed from the GUI 700.

It should be appreciated that the mobile app 122 retrieves theinformation of the user's account for display from one or more databasesstored in the user device 120, or at the computing system 440, or both.

As indicated above, the hotel loyalty program system 400 integrates asecure electronic certificate computing system 440, a hotel PropertyManagement System (PMS) 450, and a hotel Point of Sale System (POS) 460.In some embodiments, a multiple-step security process must take place inorder to validate an electronic certificate in a hotel loyalty program.As described herein, a user, for example, a member of a hotel loyaltyprogram system 400 (which may include a paid-membership program), willdownload a mobile app 122 (in the embodiment of mobile user device 120),which is associated with the loyalty program system 400. The user willreceive an activation code and enter the activation code in a GUI (notshown) provided by the mobile app 122. The system 400 will then validatethe mobile app for use, and activate any electronic certificateavailable to the user. In some embodiments, activation codes may beincluded in a welcome email or text message, or a suitable communicationformat, sent to the user.

When the user retrieves an electronic certificate and the associatedelectronic certificate code, as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7, the electroniccertificate code will be inputted, for example, by a hotel employeescanning a bar code or entering an electronic certificate code, into agraphical user interface of a PMS agent, which is a software utilityinstalled on the computer or network of the hotel's PMS system. The PMSagent communicates with the secure electronic certificate computingsystem 440, for example, through HTTPS protocol, to validate thereceived electronic certificate code.

After the electronic certificate code has been validated, the electroniccertificate code may be entered, for example, by a hotel employee, intothe PMS, for example, via a guest reservation GUI or a bar code scanneror reader. Based on the redeemable benefit associated with theelectronic certificate code, a hotel rate code may be selected, eitherby a hotel employee or by the PMS, for the PMS processing of, forexample, the applicable room booking discount. If the electroniccertificate code is not validated successfully, the redeemable benefitis not applied, for example, in the PMS agent.

In some embodiments, transactions generated from the use of theelectronic certificates may be uploaded to a data repository stored inthe hotel's PMS 450, for example, via a Data Transfer Utility (DTU)agent, after the hotel's daily night audit. The DTU agent may be asoftware utility installed on the computer or network of the hotel'snetwork.

In some embodiments, in terms of the POS integration, a two-wayintegration between system 440 and system 460 (POS) may be provided viaa POS agent installed on the hotel's POS network. The input of anelectronic certificate code may also occur. The electronic certificatecode may be entered, for example, by a hotel employee, in a graphicaluser interface (not shown) of the POS system. The POS agentcommunicates, for example, through HTTPS protocol to validate theentered electronic certificate code. After successful validation, by thesecure electronic certificate computing system 440, of the electroniccertificate code, the POS Script installed in the hotel's POS systemcalculates, for example, the applicable food and beverage diningdiscount, based on the redeemable benefit associated with the electroniccertificate code. If the electronic certificate code is not validatedsuccessfully, the redeemable benefit is not applied, for example, in thehotel's POS system.

In some embodiments, when the user visits a participating restaurant,hotel or outlet and selects to redeem an electronic certificate, forexample, selecting a “Redeem Now” option 613-619 as described herein,the electronic certificate may be considered at this point as redeemed.The computing system 440 may also obtain and store the location of theuser device, for example, by communicating with the mobile application122 to obtain the geolocation, (e.g., latitude and longitude) of theuser device. The computing system 440 may correlate the location of theuser device against one or more database of restaurants, hotels, oroutlets to identify the restaurant, hotel or outlet for the redemption.

In some embodiments, the hotel loyalty program system 400 includesserver-based electronic certificate validation. In these embodiments,the POS agent resides in the POS system 460, and the PMS agent residesin the PMS system 450.

In some embodiments, the hotel loyalty program system 400 includesserver-based electronic certificate distribution. In these embodiments,the electronic certificates and the associated electronic certificatecodes may be cached on a user's mobile device 120 for off-line use (forexample, when a network connection is not available). In the case thatcached electronic certificate codes are used while the user's device 120is offline, the hotel loyalty program system 400 may reconcile whichelectronic certificate codes are expired and issue new, non-expiredelectronic certificate codes which can be utilized by the user at afuture date and time.

In some embodiments, the hotel loyalty program system 400 includesweb-based electronic certificate validation. In these embodiments, thehotel loyalty program system 400 provides a website to receive theelectronic certificate codes for validation. The electronic certificatecodes may be entered, for example, by a hotel staff. Other forms ofinputting are also contemplated.

Referring to FIG. 8, in some exemplary operations, the hotel loyaltyprogram system 400 operates as illustrated in the process 800. A usermay first become a member of the hotel loyalty program, for example, bypurchasing a membership (Step 802). Other ways of obtaining membershipare also contemplated, for example, the system 400 may provide the userwith a membership in consideration of other past services or purchases.The system 400 then creates or updates a user account. After membershipfee payment (if required), the user (may hereinafter be referred to as“the member”) is then able to download a mobile app 122 (Step 802, inembodiments of using a mobile device 120), which is associated with themembership loyalty program. The member may choose where to downloadtheir mobile app, from either the system 400, Google Play or iTunes AppStore. The member will receive an activation code, and enter it into aform provided by the mobile app 122. As a result, the mobile app 122will be valid for use and the electronic certificates in the user'saccount will be activated. In some embodiments, the activation code maybe included in a welcome email or text message, or the like. Asdescribed herein, in some embodiments, if the member loses his or herphone, that member can re-download the mobile app and use the sameactivation code. All past usage data will be uploaded/downloaded to thenew device, so the member will not lose any e-voucher privileges.

When the member logs into the system 400, the system 400 may provide fordisplay to the member his or her virtual membership card, availableelectronic certificates and the associated electronic certificate codes(Step 806), as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The member may redeem thegoods or use the services indicated in the electronic certificates, forexample, staying at a hotel or dining at a restaurant associated withthe loyalty program (Step 808). In some embodiments, the member may usean electronic certificate multiple times. A “Card Discount” is anexample of a redeemable benefit which can be used multiple, andunlimited number of times. In other embodiments, an electroniccertificate may be used only a limited number of times.

The member may use the GUIs, for example, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to7, to access and use the electronic certificates. For example, themember may receive an electronic certificate code (e.g., a five-digit orsix-digit code), and present the code to a server in the restaurant forthe associated discount to be applied (Step 810). As described herein,the member may redeem the certificate benefits by tapping a “Use youre-certificates” option 510 on the home screen 500, selecting acertificate to use from the listed certificates, and then tapping on“Redeem Now” options 613-619, the mobile app 122 will then display anelectronic certificate code GUI 700.

At Steps 820, The system 400 verifies the member card and the electroniccertificate. The PMS and POS systems may be utilized for theverification. The verification may be performed via a two-waycommunication against a production database, for example, database 142.The discount is applied if the electronic certificate code issuccessfully validated. The discount is not applied if the electroniccertificate code is not successfully validated.

At Step 822, the system 400 saves all updated data to one or moredatabases.

The system 400 eliminates outdated paper-based voucher booklets as themembers can view and print digital vouchers directly from the mobile appsoftware. This streamlines hotel operations and provides detailedtracking with two-way hotel's POS/PMS integration, while improvinganalytics, intelligence and security. In some embodiments, links toleading CRM, E-Commerce, and IT systems of the system 400 providereal-time reporting and secure validation of each electroniccertificate. The system 400 provides several multiple security layersincluding limited-duration codes for each electronic certificate, makingit difficult to share unauthorized copies of electronic certificates.

In some embodiments, several programmatic logic gates reconfigure aprocessor of a computing device of the secure system 100, 400 when themobile software application 122 is running, thereby ensuring that a userof the mobile device 120 can work with the process and the system 100,400. The logic gates perform the functions and features as describedherein.

In some embodiments, the process and system described herein may beadapted for use in non-hotel discount-based and/or redeemable benefitloyalty programs, where systems similar to hotel PMS or POS are used.One noteworthy example is in non-hotel restaurants.

The enablements described in detail above are considered novel over theprior art of record and are considered critical to the operation of atleast one aspect of the apparatus and its method of use and to theachievement of the above described objectives. The words used in thisspecification to describe the instant embodiments are to be understoodnot only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to includeby special definition in this specification: structure, material or actsbeyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an elementcan be understood in the context of this specification as including morethan one meaning, then its use must be understood as being generic toall possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word orwords describing the element.

The definitions of the words or drawing elements described herein aremeant to include not only the combination of elements which areliterally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or acts forperforming substantially the same function in substantially the same wayto obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is thereforecontemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements maybe made for any one of the elements described and its variousembodiments or that a single element may be substituted for two or moreelements in a claim.

Changes from the described subject matter as viewed by a person withordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expresslycontemplated as being equivalents within the scope intended and itsvarious embodiments. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later knownto one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scopeof the defined elements. This disclosure is thus meant to be understoodto include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what isconceptually equivalent, what can be obviously substituted, and alsowhat incorporates the essential ideas.

The scope of this description is to be interpreted only in conjunctionwith the appended claims, if any, and it is made clear, here, that eachnamed inventor believes that the claimed subject matter is what isintended to be patented.

1. (canceled)
 2. A method for validating electronic certificate codes,comprising: storing information comprising a user account, one or moreelectronic certificates associated with the user account, and one ormore electronic certificate codes associated with the one or moreelectronic certificates; providing a mobile software applicationdownloadable to a user device; providing an activation code associatedwith the user account to a user of the user device; validating themobile software application downloaded to the user device for use inresponse to receiving the activation code from the user device;activating the one or more electronic certificates in response tovalidating the downloaded mobile software application; providing the oneor more electronic certificates associated with the user account fordisplay by the mobile software application at the user device; andproviding the one or more electronic certificate codes for display bythe mobile software application at the user device.
 3. The method ofclaim 2, wherein the one or more electronic certificates entitle theuser of the associated user account to certain rights or benefits. 4.The method of claim 2, comprising: providing the activation code to theuser via an email or a text message.
 5. The method of claim 2, whereineach electronic certificate code of the one or more electroniccertificate codes includes an alpha-numeric code.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the alpha-numeric code links to information stored inassociation with the user account.
 7. The method of claim 2, whereineach of the one or more electronic certificates includes an expirationdate and time.
 8. The method of claim 2, wherein the mobile softwareapplication comprises a graphical user interface, and wherein the methodcomprises: displaying, by the graphical user interface, the one or moreelectronic certificates, and displaying, by the graphical userinterface, a graphical representation of a countdown to expiration of anelectronic certificate code associated with an electronic certificate inresponse to receiving a user's selection of the electronic certificatefrom the one or more displayed electronic certificates.
 9. The method ofclaim 8, wherein the graphical representation of a countdown includesthe number of days, hours, and seconds remaining before the expirationof the electronic certificate code.
 10. The method of claim 8,comprising: beginning the countdown when the electronic certificate codeis displayed in response to receiving the user's selection of theelectronic certificate from the one or more displayed electroniccertificates.
 11. The method of claim 8, comprising: displaying, by thegraphical user interface, a scannable barcode associated with theelectronic certificate code in response to receiving the user'sselection of the electronic certificate from the one or more displayedelectronic certificates.
 12. The method of claim 2, comprising:providing a graphical user interface within the mobile softwareapplication to enable the user to enter the activation code to validatethe mobile software application downloaded to the user device.
 13. Asystem for validating electronic certificate codes, comprising: one ormore databases configured to store information comprising a useraccount, one or more electronic certificates associated with the useraccount, and one or more electronic certificate codes associated withthe one or more electronic certificates; a mobile software applicationdownloadable to a user device; one or more computing systems configuredto: provide an activation code associated with the user account to auser of the user device; validate the mobile software applicationdownloaded to the user device for use in response to receiving theactivation code from the user device; activate the one or moreelectronic certificates in response to validating the downloaded mobilesoftware application; provide the one or more electronic certificatesassociated with the user account for display by the mobile softwareapplication at the user device; and provide the one or more electroniccertificate codes for display by the mobile software application at theuser device.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or morecomputing systems comprise a cloud based server system.
 15. The systemof claim 13, wherein the one or more computing systems comprise one ormore servers.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or moreelectronic certificates entitle the user of the associated user accountto certain rights or benefits.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein theone or more computing systems are configured to: provide the activationcode to the user via an email or a text message.
 18. The system of claim13, wherein each electronic certificate code of the one or moreelectronic certificate codes includes an alpha-numeric code.
 19. Thesystem of claim 18, wherein the alpha-numeric code links to informationstored in association with the user account.
 20. The system of claim 13,wherein each of the one or more electronic certificates includes anexpiration date and time.
 21. The system of claim 13, wherein the mobilesoftware application comprises a graphical user interface, and whereinthe one or more computing systems are configured to: display, by thegraphical user interface, the one or more electronic certificates, anddisplay, by the graphical user interface, a graphical representation ofa countdown to expiration of an electronic certificate code associatedwith an electronic certificate in response to receiving a user'sselection of the electronic certificate from the one or more displayedelectronic certificates.
 22. The system of claim 21, wherein thegraphical representation of a countdown includes the number of days,hours, and seconds remaining before the expiration of the electroniccertificate code.
 23. The system of claim 21, wherein the one or morecomputing systems are configured to: begin the countdown when theelectronic certificate code is displayed in response to receiving theuser's selection of the electronic certificate from the one or moredisplayed electronic certificates.
 24. The system of claim 21, whereinthe one or more computing systems are configured to: display, by thegraphical user interface, a scannable barcode associated with theelectronic certificate code in response to receiving the user'sselection of the electronic certificate from the one or more displayedelectronic certificates.
 25. The system of claim 13, wherein the one ormore computing systems are configured to: provide a graphical userinterface within the mobile software application to enable the user toenter the activation code to validate the mobile software applicationdownloaded to the user device.